Chapter 14 - Functional role of receptor-like kinases in mediating brassinosteroid signaling pathway

Abstract

The sessile nature of plants poses an indispensable requirement for environmental perception and adaptation for optimal growth and development. Brassinosteroid signaling is one of the most well-characterized hormonal pathways involved in the integration of gene regulatory patterns with environmental stimulation. The steroid molecules perceive signals at the plasma membrane and guide a tailored response via transcription factors. Several reports have elucidated a plethora of genes and regulatory networks influenced by brassinosteroid signaling. The current chapter explores the complexity of brassinosteroid signaling beginning from the receptor-ligand interaction at the cell surface to the effector networks triggered in the nucleus. Regulation of signaling cascade along with cross-talk and functional diversification of pathway into myriad metabolic processes and stress responses has been discussed. A comprehensive understanding of canonical signaling and associated factors would allow fine-tuning of the pathway for engineering desirable traits in plants.